While people often think of the treatment of varicose veins or spider veins as a vascular condition, it is also considered dermatological. That is because the veins often are pronounced or cause conditions such as swelling or scarring. This is especially true for conditions related to venous stasis – a vascular condition that results from long periods of standing or immobility.
Sclerotherapy: When Is It Advised?
One of the common treatments used to eliminate varicose veins is sclerotherapy. A dermatologist can give you full details about how this procedure is performed. While endovenous laser ablation is employed to treat larger and more problematic veins, sclerotherapy is advised for treating smaller veins, such as reticular or feeder veins, or spider veins. Because reticular veins feed into spider veins, getting rid of these veins can also eliminate spider veins.
STS Injections
According to dermatologist specialists, a sclerotherapy session normally lasts about thirty minutes. A chemical known as sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is used for the injection. This chemical is a diluted and sterile type of medical cleanser. STS is used to shrink the veins, permitting them to be resorbed by the body. STS, which has been used since the 1940s, rarely produces side effects and has proven to be highly efficient.
If you currently have varicose veins, reticular veins, or spider veins that appear just below the surface of the skin, you may benefit from sclerotherapy. If these veins are causing fatigue in your lower extremities or are inducing cramping, itching, or swelling, you should have a further examination of your vascular condition conducted.
Who to Contact
This type of vein therapy is not normally recommended for women who are pregnant or for anyone who may be allergic to STS. Patients who suffer from a deep vein clot should seek another treatment approach as well. If you want to find out more about sclerotherapy for spider veins or varicose veins, contact the Vein Center of Louisiana for additional details. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.